Belozersk (Russian: Белозе́рск), known as Beloozero (Белоозеро) until 1777,[9] is a town and the administrative center of Belozersky District in Vologda Oblast, Russia, located on the southern bank of Lake Beloye, from which it takes the name, 214 kilometers (133 mi) northwest of Vologda, the administrative center of the oblast.

'white lake') until 1777,[9] it was first mentioned in the Primary Chronicle (PVL) in 862[3] along with several other towns that later became part of Kievan Rus', such as Murom, Novgorod, Polotsk, and Rostov.

[citation needed] In 1071, local pagan priests rose in rebellion, which was put down by the Kievan commander Yan Vyshatich.

[citation needed] The Primary Chronicle reports that the dead bodies of priests were suspended from an oak tree, until they were torn to pieces by a bear (regarded by pagans as a holy animal).

[6] The town is located on the southern bank of Lake Beloye, from which it takes the name, 214 kilometers (133 mi) northwest of Vologda, the administrative center of the oblast.

Belozersk falls just within the subarctic climate range,[18] with the fourth-warmest month being just below the isotherm of 10 °C (50 °F)[19] to nearby humid continental areas.

Two of the most famous medieval icons were created in the 13th century in Belozersk: the Virgin of the White Lake and Saints Peter and Paul.